The Yobe State Government has announced plans to suspend the use of fossil fuels and instead harness solar energy to power public secondary schools across the state by 2025. Alhaji Baba Malam-Wali, the Secretary to the State Government, made this significant declaration during a media briefing that coincided with an inspection of several ongoing government projects in schools located in Nguru on Monday.
The schools that were part of the inspection included notable institutions such as the Government Higher Islamic College, Nguru, Government Day Secondary School Gashua, Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC) Yobe Campus, and Government Girls Unity College Damaturu, among others.
This initiative illustrates the government’s commitment to promoting clean energy solutions while enhancing educational environments for students. Malam-Wali emphasized that this solar energy initiative is not an isolated effort but is rather a component of the state government’s comprehensive plan aimed at elevating the quality of education within Yobe.
He outlined a multi-faceted strategy geared towards educational reform, highlighting a range of initiatives that have been rolled out since 2019, which include efforts to decongest schools in urban centres deeply affected by overcrowding.
As part of these endeavours, the Yobe State Government has constructed several new model schools specifically designed to mitigate overcrowding, and they are partnering with traditional rulers and community leaders to boost enrollment in rural primary schools. Malam-Wali remarked, “Our vision is to foster an educational landscape where every child has access to quality schooling, regardless of their geographical background.”
To alleviate the financial burdens faced by parents, the Yobe Government has also committed to covering examination fees for candidates participating in the 2025 West African School Certificate Examination (WASCE) and the National Examination Council (NECO).
This groundbreaking decision underscores the administration’s commitment to making education accessible and affordable for all. Moreover, the government has taken substantial steps to promote gender equality in education by establishing additional secondary schools exclusively for girls.
This initiative strives to empower young women in the state, ensuring they have the opportunity to pursue their academic dreams without interruption. Malam-Wali further elaborated on investments made in rehabilitating schools, which include the provision of much-needed furniture and other essential facilities.
He highlighted that the state’s free feeding program for secondary school students is already in action, with expenditures amounting to approximately N500 million each month, demonstrating the government’s dedication to nourishing students’ bodies while fostering their minds.
During the inspection, principals from the schools visited expressed their profound gratitude towards the Yobe State Government for its continued support and commitment to education. They acknowledged the positive outcomes of these initiatives on student enrollment, academic performance, and overall school infrastructure, illustrating the transformative effects being felt across the educational landscape.
Mr Hasibullahi Jogi, the principal of NTIC Yobe Campus, articulated his appreciation for the ongoing support from the state government, stating that the administration’s proactive measures are critical in enhancing the education sector’s performance.
Mr. Rajab Ismail, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Yobe, who led the team of journalists on the site visit, emphasized the importance of responsible journalism. He called on members of the press to commit to accurate and unbiased reporting, urging them to prioritize national unity and the development of the state by putting aside personal biases and affiliations.
With these ambitions, the Yobe State Government not only seeks to improve the current state of education but also aims to foster a sustainable future that harnesses clean energy while empowering its youth. The commitment to education and sustainability is a testament to Yobe’s dedication towards making a positive difference in the lives of its citizens.
